Father and Son Killed by Giant Asian Hornets During Vacation
An American father and his 15-year-old son died after being stung by a swarm of Asian giant hornets while vacationing in Laos, according to The Times.
Details of the Incident
The tragic event occurred on October 15 near Luang Prabang, on the Mekong River, when Daniel Owen, a 47-year-old private school headmaster in Vietnam, and his son Cooper were zip-lining at an eco-adventure resort. The hornets attacked them as they tried to descend from a tree with their guide.
About the Victims
- Daniel Owen was originally from Idaho, USA.
- He had lived abroad for nearly 20 years, residing in Vietnam with his wife Jessica and son Cooper.
Hornet Attack and Effects
The Asian giant hornets, the largest species of hornet measuring up to two inches long with a quarter-inch stinger, swarmed the victims and stung them over 100 times. Their bodies were covered with red spots from the stings.
“Their whole bodies were covered in red spots.”
At first, both father and son were conscious without immediate anaphylactic shock but were rushed to a hospital.
Medical Response
Dr. Phanomsay Phakan, who treated them at the Phakan Arocavet Clinic, described the incident as “very, very painful” and “very dangerous.” He said in his 20-year career, he had never seen a fatality like this, calling it “unprecedented.”
Significance of Venom
The venom of Asian giant hornets can cause extreme pain and severe allergic reactions, which in this case led to death.
Author's summary: A rare and fatal hornet attack ended the lives of a father and son on vacation, highlighting the dangers of Asian giant hornets and the severity of their venomous stings.